This blog is meant to display my coins/currency notes/stamps, in an informative manner, which would be useful to users in knowing about the history of the period when these coins/banknotes/stamps were minted/printed and events/persons they honour/depict, both on Indian and foreign coins/banknotes/stamps. The content would be more in the nature of a walk down memory lane through my collection/articles.

This Special Cover issued by the Army Post Office (APO) commemorates the Platinum Jubilee (75 Years) of the formation of the "3 Squadron (COBRAS)", (Indian Air Force). The picture on the left shows images of the 10 fighter/reconnaissance aircraft which have been used by the Squadron since its inception against the backdrop of the Indian Tri-colour (National Flag).

Below the representations of the various aircraft, there is an inscription "Platinum Jubilee" (in both Hindi and English).The Princely State of Cochin look-alike postage stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- issued by India Post in 2010 has been cancelled with a hand-stamp inscribed "Platinum Jubilee" (in both Hindi and English). The Hand-stamp bears in the centre the insignia/crest of the Squadron - A winged (Waziri) dagger clenched in a fist and entwined by a Cobra. The coupled hand symbolises the role played by the Sqn in holding the frontier against and aggressors. Below this crest, the words "Lakshya Vedh" (meaning "On Target" or "Destroy the Target with Precision") are written on a scroll.Above and below the insignia is mentioned "No. 3 Squadron - Bhartiya Vayu Sena " (in Hindi) . The cancellation is marked "C/O 56 APO" and is dated "10.12.2016".

The Back of the Special Cover shows the logo the Army Post Office (APO). On the top is mentioned "Mail Milap" (meaning "meeting or joining through post/mail"). A stork traditionally symbolising "delivery" carries the mail for delivery.

The Information Brochure issued together with the Special Cover by the 56 APO is titled "3 Squadron Air-Force".Below the title are the emblems of the Indian air Force and on 3 Squadron (Cobras).Below this is the picture showing images of the 10 fighter/reconnaissance aircraft which have been used by the Squadron since its inception against the backdrop of the Indian Tri-colour National Flag.

After India's Independence in 1947, the Squadron started operations from Poona (present day Pune).

In Dec 1953, the Sqn was re-located to Ambala and was re-equipped with Vampire fighters ushering in the Jet Age.

In Jan 1954, the Squadron acquired "Toofani" aircraft followed by Mystere aircraft in Apr 1958.

In Apr 1972 the formidable MiGs were introduced at Hindon Air Base.

Later, the Sqn started flying MiG T-77 and subsequently converted to MiG 21 BIS in Sept.1980 at Pathankot.

In 1998, the "Cobras" moved to Ambala and have been operating there ever since.

The Sqn was the first unit in the IAF to fly upgraded MiG-21 BIS, re-designated as "Bison" in July 2002 which are currently in operation.Operations during War:Within the first few months of its raising, No.3 Squadron participated in operations at the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), (presently in Pakistan) from Jan to Mar 1942.Air action against the tribesmen in Waziristan in the NWFP were one of the first few actions of the Sqn in its history.In Feb 1945, the Sqn moved to the Eastern Sector during the Burma campaign, in which it carried out bombing raids with its Hurricane aircraft on enemy positions.After India's Independence, the Squadron's first participation was in "Op POLO", which was carried out against the Nizam of Hyderabad. At that time, the Sqn was equipped with Tempest aircraft.During the 1965 Indo-Pak War, the Sqn operated from Pathankot Air Base and in the 1971 War from Hindon Air Base, During both operations, the Squadron fought gallantly in the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force (IAF).Honours & Awards:The Squadron has been awarded two BATTLE HONOURS (Chhamb-Jaurian sector and Lahore-Kasur sector) for the1965 Indo-Pak War. In addition, it has been awarded 6 Vir Chakras, 3 Vishist Seva Medals and 7 Mention-in-Despatches during the 1965 and 1971 Wars.On 18.03.1975, the Squadron was presented with the President's Standard, which continues to occupy the pride of place in the unit premises and inspires the present generations of the "COBRAS".

The Motto of the Squadron: "Lakshya Vedh" ( meaning "On Target" or "Destroy the Target with Precision").

The Insignia of the Cobras: A winged (Waziri) dagger clenched in a fist and entwined by a Cobra. The coupled hand symbolises the role played by the Sqn in holding the frontier against and aggressors. Below this crest, the words "Lakshya Vedh" are written on a scroll.

The Squadron has set for itself traditions and a history of avery high order, of which it is justifiably proud, leading by example for other units to emulate.

Present Day:

The No. 3 Squadron (nicknamed the "COBRAS") of the IndianAir Force (IAF) operates as a Close Air Support (CAS), Interdiction (Deep Air Support - DAS) and Reconnaissance unit.

Presently based at Pathankot Air Force Station (AFS), No. 3 Sqn falls under the Western air Command (WAC) and alongside the No. 26 Sqn (Warriors), No. 104HU (Pioneer Rotarians) and No. 125HU (Gladiators), forms the 18 Wing of the IAF.

About Me

I am Rajeev Prasad, a retired State Bank of India officer who had been collecting coins in a shoe box without having a serious interest. Only after quitting my job I got the time to take serious interest in developing my coin collection into a hobby. A pity, because I would have had more opportunity to lay my hands on more 'exclusive coins' while in the Bank. Anyway, as they say,better late than never. If you have any views to share with me regarding this blog , please contact me on my email rajeevprasad1208@gmail.com. I also have a twitter account @prasad_rajeev.
I had an opportunity to participate in a Documentary on the life and times of the 25 paise coin titled “Chal Basi Chavanni” (The four anna/twenty five paise coin passes away), aired by STAR NEWS on 29th and 30th June 2011. The programme helped in making many persons hold back onto their “chavannis”, the little round beauties, instead of returning them to Banks .